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Block 45 approved by Design Commission (images)

The Design Commission has approved a 12-story, 240-unit mixed use building by Lever Architecture and LRS Architects for Home Forward. The project on Block 45 of the Lloyd District is one of the projects that won city funding through the 2015 Super NOFA process, and will include a mix of market rate and affordable units, over 7,500 sq ft of retail space. The building will reach a height of 128’-0” to top of parapet. 126 long term bike parking spaces will be located in a secure bicycle room at the basement, and 240 spaces will be located within the units. No vehicular parking is proposed.

The development would be located on the western half of a block bound by NE Grand, Hassalo, 6th and Holladay, directly across from the recently completed Hotel Eastlund. The site is currently vacant. In the early 2000s the site was planned to be the location for the second phase of the Cascadian Court condominium, which could have been as tall as 27 stories. A 31 story tower residential by Weston Development was approved for the site in 2007, but was never built due to the recession. In 2012 the DJC reported that the tower was being redesigned as a hotel, however the project never went forward.

The project will be arranged in an undulating “C” shape, with a ground level courtyard facing the interior of the block. The courtyard, which will be visible from NE Hassalo St, will have access from both the retail space and the apartment lobby. At the twelfth floor an amenity room will be provided for the use of building residents.

Exterior materials proposed include thin brick in two colors, composite metal panels, perforated metal panels and vinyl windows. Chevron metal panels are proposed at the courtyard and property line walls.

Block 45 previously received Design Advice in October 2016. Changes made since the first iteration presented include a change to lighter colored windows and adjacent metal panel, the introduction of the chevron metal panel at the east elevations, and the introduction of an extended canopy along NE Grand Ave. Block 45 was unanimously approved by the Design Commission at its first full Type III review hearing, held on March 16th 2017. The project drew particularly strong praise in the conclusion to the Final Findings and Decision by the Design Commission:

This project emphasizes activation and enhancement of the pedestrian realm, connections to the natural environment, and a material pallet that visually captures the flavor of the Lloyd District and surrounding area. The active program and the sculptural massing and building textures connect this proposal to its location. The project employs quality and durable materials and incorporates detailing that will ensure longevity and minimize weathering over time.

This is a smart project from every angle: the partnership, the concept of building, the massing, the active ground floor programming, the mix of market-rate and affordable units, and the materials and details are all exceptional. This is an extremely sophisticated proposal, and the result is something beyond the sum of its parts. The proposal meets the applicable design guidelines and modification criteria and therefore warrants approval.

Building permits will need to be obtained before construction can begin on site.

8 thoughts on “Block 45 approved by Design Commission (images)”

I walk by this dirt lot nearly every day. So excited for this to get built now! I do hope that, once it’s built, they do a mural or something on the blank wall facing Cascadian Court. Another win for the Lloyd District!

Again, there is no problem here. Nobody can park on the street for free in the Lloyd District because all spaces are metered, meaning it won’t be in the interest of anybody who owns a car to apply here.

Bingo. If you have a car there are options. As well this area is full of alternate options..not just mass transit, but forgo a car payment and insurance and use many of the car share programs. Not a problem. Great to see this patch of dirt get developed.